USA > Iowa > Tama County > History of Tama County, Iowa. Its cities, towns and villages, with early reminiscences, personal incidents and anecdotes and a complete business directory of the county > Part 1
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HISTORY
TAMA. COUNTY.
1800
٢
1
HISTORY
OF
TAMA COUNTY,
IOWA.
ITS CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES
WITHI
EARLY REMINISCENCES, PERSONAL INCIDENTS AND ANECDOTES,
AND A COMPLETE
BUSINESS DIRECTORY OF THE COUNTY.
BY SAMUEL D. CHAPMAN.
PRINTED AT THE TOLEDO TIMES OFFICE. 1879.
F629 .73C4
PREFACE.
It is now nearly two years since I conceived the idea of pub- lishing a History of Tama County. After I submitted my plan to a number of old settlers who approved of the same and encourag- ed the enterprise, work on the proposed publication was at once be- gun. In order to test the enterprise a practical canvass of Tama City, and Toledo, was made and in three or four days time over two hundred subscribers were secured, and I was thus encourag- ed to continue the work and solicit subscriptions from those living in other towns and in the country.
Of the magnitude of the work I then had no conception. I was of the opinion there were yet living, many of the old pioneers from whom information could be obtained without difficulty; but in this I was greatly mistaken. Few indeed. are the number, as many are dead, while others have left the County. Since the projection of this work, quite a number more have been called to their final resting place, from some of whom we expected to obtain much valuable information. "Man proposes and God disposes." The interviews were never had, and now their lips are hushed in death, and no more will their stories of pioneer life be listened to with interest and pleasure by those gathering around their hospitable firesides.
The author has labored under many adverse circumstances in
PREFACE.
the prosecution of the work. Without a dollar in his pocket or to his credit, without material assistance of any kind from any source, he began the compilation of a work that has required nearly two full years to complete.
As previously remarked, the difficulty in securing information was far greater than anticipated; especially has this been the case with regard to dates. In order to learn the dates of the set- tlements, several weeks were spent in visiting and interviewing old settlers, besides writing many letters to those who had form- erly lived in the County and were supposed to be cognizant of the facts in the case. The conclusions arrived at are satisfactory to my mind, and will be to the mind of any who will take the same trouble to obtain the knowledge. The same care taken to learn the exact time in which the settlements were made, has been taken to verify every fact given. That errors may creep in, how- ever guarded one may be, cannot be doubted; but I believe they will be few indeed.
Although in the compilation of the work much time has been spent, and therefore it has been quite tedious, yet it has not been unmixed with pleasure. Many days and nights have I spent in listening to the stories of the old pioneers; ever hearing some- thing new; now langhing and then erying, as the ludicrous or the pathetic was narrated; and then in the study of the character of our fathers and those of the present generation, time with me has slipped quickly by.
And now, at the close of my labor, I cannot lay down my pen without returning thanks to the many kind friends who have assisted me in obtaining information, and have encouraged me from time to time with words of cheer.
My work is now done, and it is presented to you with the hope that it may please; that its errors you will kindly overlook, and that you will be well repaid in its pursual.
Yours with respect,
SAMUEL D. CHIAPMAN.
TAMA CITY, IOWA, SEPTEMBER 1st, 1879.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
First settlements-Name of County-Home of the Red man-Beauty of
. Prairie fire-Changed scene-Location of County-First white set- tler-Trouble with Indians-A rapid increase of settlements-Wel- come-New homes-State and County Roads-County survey- First original entry-Attachment to BentonCounty-First election- First County officers-First term of District Court-Number pres- ent-Cases -Appointment of Commissioners to locate County seat -Selection-Erection of Court House-First jurors-First jury trial
13 -- 23.
CHAPTER II.
1857-61-Murder of William Stopp-Excitement -- Arrest of Olleslangh- er-Escape-Hardships-Home on the prairie-Difference now and then-Long winter-Big snow storm-Great suffering-Wild game for food-People frozen to death-Eirst Board of Supervisors- First session-Old camp grounds of Sac and Fox Indians-Old set- Iers
24-30.
CHAPTER III.
Home life and amusement-Exterior Description-People Industrious Clothing Worm-Ilome manufacture-Drudgery of women-Influi- ence of the Bible-Cultivation of flax, cotton and wool-Seasons of fun-Quilting bees-Corn huskings-The little brown jng-Drink- ing universal-Hunting-House raising-Election days-Kind hearts-Neighborly acts and aniversal love. .31-36.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IV.
State and County roads-Marengo and Fort Dodge road-Toledo-Set- tlements in the timber and along the streams-Most convenient route-Distant markets-Trade and bartering-Marketing-llard- ships while off to market-Stores among the settlers-Home market -Railroads .37-40.
CHAPTER V.
Geography of the County-Distance from east to west and north to south-Principal streams-Surface of the Count: - Water powers- Mills-Timber and Prairie-Resources of the County-Geology-lu- teresting study-Stone and coal-Its formation-Lime stone-St. Louis lime stone-Surface deposits-Large quarries 41-46.
CHAPTER VI.
Railroads-Charter obtained-newspapers-The iron horse-Great ex- citement over railroad-Friends of the road at work-Opposers- Monev raised-Chicogo and Northwestern railroad-Its appear- ance .. .47-50. ...
CHAPTER VII.
Old settlers' society-Sincere friends-Hospitality-Surroundings of pioneer life-Many incidents-Society organization-First meeting -Its officers .51- - 53.
CHAPTER VIII.
Sae and Fox Indians-Two distinct tribes-Indians at Green Bay- Their stay-Poweshiek-In Kansas-Return-First Indian agent -Murder of a Pawnee-Arrest of Black Wolf-Inquest-Black Wolf discharged --- Man-an-wan-e-ka-The reservation --- Personal property --- Annual payments --- Their loye for their old home .. .54 --- 58.
CHAPTER IX.
Township Histories-First settlement -- Their organization --. Interrest- ing incidents -- Murder in Whiskey Bottom -- Big indian scare -- First Births-First marriage -- First deaths -- First school taught --- Township officers-Connelly murder -- Drowning of Mr. Horton and son -- Hog raising on shares -- Union Grove-Lost Child. 54 -- 94.
CHAPTER X.
Resources of the County-Extent of territory --- Improved Lands -- Un- improved Lands-Grains -- Meadows -- Timber land-Ho ses -- Cat- tle --- Mules and asses -- Sheep --- Swine -- Apples-Orchards-Peaches Pears --- Cherries-Grapes-Small fruit --- Assessment of the County
CONTENTS.
for 18.9.
... .95 -- 103.
CHAPTER XI.
Temperance-Prohibitory law --- Votes cast -- First whiskey -- Temper- ance speeches -- Temperances organizations. 104 -- 106.
CHAPTER XII.
Old and new Court House --- County jail -- Building of the new Court House -- Its description-Building of the jail -- Description --- County officers 107 -- 110.
CHAPTER XIII.
Prairie pirates and criminal records-A combination of outlaws -- Ad- venturons criminals-Life on the frontiers-Good horses unsafe property-Colts stolen-The prisoners-Arrest of the Bunker boys-Hanging of the Bunker boys-Perpetrators escape-Small's arrest-Hlis trial and acquital-Felter murder-Mulligan murder- Robecheck murder-Meshek murder-Taylor murder. 111-115.
CHAPTER XIV.
Tama County agricultural societies-First fair held-Display of products Fair at Toledo-Tama County agricultural society-Traer district agricultural society 116-119
CHAPTER XV.
The first year of the great rebellion-Patriotism prevails-Love for the oid flag-Bombardment of Ft. Sumpter-How the news was receiv- in Tama County-The Coun ty aronsed-Quick response to the call of the President-Meetings held throughout the County-Organi- zation of companies for the tenth regiment-Their departure-May God bless you-Old and young desire to enlist- Battle field-Many vacant chairs now to be seen-Sleeveless coats now among us -- Aid from the County -- Close of the rebellion-Return of the boys in blue-Thanks be to the father of all. 120-150
CHAPTER XVI.
Biographieal-J. C. Vermilya-Charles Mason-Abram Tompkins- West Wilson-Joseph H. Scott -- James B. Merritt-J. G. Hull- Hon. S. S. Mann-tion. W. G, Malin-John W. Fleming-Maj. T. S. Free-Dr. H. Welton-Jacob W. Lamb-Anthony Wilkinson- Hon. William Hartsock-D. C. Lamb-James H. Brooks-George Il. Warren-Nathan C. Wieting-Frank E. Smith-Hon. Gamaliel Jagna .. .151-174
CHAPTER XVII.
Newspaper enterprises-Tribune-Transcript-Republican-Chronicle
CONTENTS.
-Weekly Ledger-Liberal-Independent-Times-Union-Citizen
-IIerald-Press-Democrat-Star-People's Friend-Reporter- Album of Pen Art --- Clipper. 175 -- 181
CHAPTER XVIII.
Religious Influence --- Attending worship --- Improvement in dress and appearance-First religious organization --- First minister --- First quarterly meeting -- Methodist Episcopal Church of Toledo -- M. E. Church of Tama City --- M. E. Church of Traer -- M. E. Church of Montour --- M. E. Church of Dysart -- M. E. Church of Howard town- ship-Salem Presbyterian Church-Toledo Church-Rock Creek Church-Dysart Church -- Tranquility Church-Congregational Church of Toledo-Montour Church -- Traer Church --- Baptist Church of Tama City --- Baptist Church of Toledo-United Presbyterian Church of Traer -- Christian Church of Toledo -- Catholic Church of Tama City-Chelsea and OtterCreekChurches-Union Church-Free- will Baptist of Toledo -- United Brethern Church of Toledo .. United Brethern Church of Badger Hill. . Church of God 182 .. 192.
CHAPTER XIX.
Educational-Progress of the County -- The school houses -- First subscription schools --- First schools opened in the County -- First school house paid for out of the public treasury -- School statistics --- enrollment during 1878 --- Number of school houses in the County --- Cost-Expenses -- Normal Institute .193 --- 196
CHAPTER XX.
Poor farm-Proposition submitted to the Board-Election -- Proceed- ings of the Board-Cost of the Poor farm -- Location-Farmer's Mu- tual aid company -- organization -- Officers -- Political-Party lines distinctly drawn-Anti-Monopoly party-Democratic-Greenback- Republican. 197-200.
CHAPTER XXI.
Toledo-First cabin -- Changes-Organization -- Location-First sale of lots-First business building-Basiness opened-Future-Incorpor- ation-Election of officers-Improvement -Financial standing -- Railroad privileges-Public buildings-School building -- Officers- Business directory 201 -- 2:2.
CHAPTER XXII.
Tama City-Name-luka-Founding-Original owners of the land- First settlers-1ts growth-Incorporations-First Mayor- Societies-First election of officers-Union-School building-Ily- draulic works -- Irish and his plans-Winter of 1872-3-The persist- ant efforts of the people -- Company organized-Capital stock-1ts
CONTENTS.
officers -- Progress-Its completion-Grand jubilee-The roasted ox The event of the day-The dam -- Raee -- Reservoir -- Bulkhead -- Tail race -- Business directory 23 --- 252.
CHAPTER XXIII.
Traer -- Its situation-Railroad -- First business -- Park-Incorporation -- Officers .- Public schools-Religious --- Fine dwellings --- business blocks --- Business directory. .253 --- 268.
CHAPTER XXIV.
Montour -- Location .. Original owners. . First Business. . Organization .. Officers. . Public schools. . Business directory. 269 .. 276.
CHAPTER XXV.
Dysart. . Location. . Name. . First train .. First business. . Educational ..
R ligions. 277 .. 282.
CHAPTER XXVI.
Chelsea .. Location .. First election. . Officers .. The town .. Public school .. Business directory .983 .. 286.
CIIAPTER XXVII.
Small towns in the Connty. . Indiantown. . Business. . LeGrand Station .. Monticello. . Business. . Waltham. . Irving. . Haven. . Helena. . Bad- ger Hill. . Business. . Union Grove 287 .. 293.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Miscellaneous. . Frank Frahm & Bro .. Joshua Leonard. . John Wild .. William W. MunsonHW. A. McAnulty .. S. E. Wilson. . L. P. Dins- dale & Son. . Thomas Shunn. . Andrew McCosh 294 .. 296.
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
CHAPTER I.
FIRST SETTLEMENT-ORGANIZATION.
The first settlement of Tama County of which we have record was in the spring of 1849. Previous to this time the county was in a state of unbroken wilderness, the home of the red-men, who roamed at will over its broad prairies, engaged in occupa- tions peculiar to their race. No one, save the old settler, or one who had visited the far West can fully realize the beauty of the country at that time. Tradition has it that Tama County was named after Tama, " the wife of Poweshiek, one of the Chiefs of the Sac and Fox tribes, who resided here when the hardy pioneer sought a future home and brought with him the civ- ilizations of the East. and if by this it was meant to bestow the name of "beauty" upon Tama County the effort has not been lost. Nowhere within the limits of the State could it be surpass- ed for beautiful scenery, groves, prairies, meandering streams and carpets of flowers and verdure.
Dividing the County north and south, we had upon the north a broad prairie extending as far as the eye could reach, the tall grass gently undulating like the waves of the sea. Upon the south the *TAMA, beautiful, lovely.
14
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
giant oak, the stately elm and the useful hickory, seemingly piercing the very heavens, stood as faithful sentinels over their entire surroundings. No fallen timber or undergrowth of any kind obstructed the passage; the annual prairie fire making a clean path for all.
A prairie on fire! Have you ever witnessed one? The sight is magnificent indeed. A correspondent to the "Philadelphia Enquirer" on a visit to this State, while traveling up the Missis- sippi, described in glowing terms the scenery on that "Father of Waters", and thus graphicly sketched a prairie on fire:
"Whilst enjoying the sublimity of the scene, night threw her mantle o'er the earth, and the sentinel stars set their watch in the skies, when suddenly the scene was lighted by a blaze of light illuminating every object around. It was the prairie on fire. Language cannot convey, words cannot express to you the faint- est idea of the grandeur and splendor of that mighty conflagra- tion. Me thought that the pale queen of night disclaiming to take her accustomed place in the heavens, had dispatched ten thousand messengers to light their torches at the alter of the set- ting sun, and that now they were speeding on the wings of the wind to their appointed stations. As I gazed on that mighty conflagration my thoughts recurred to yon immured in the walls of a city, and I exclaimed in the fullness of my heart:"
"O fly to the prairie in wonder and gaze, As o'er the grass sweeps the magnificent blaze; - The world cannot boast so romantic a sight, A continent flaming, mid oceans of light."
How changed the scene now. The timber in many places has been cleared away, and bountiful farms appear in its stead. The broad prairies have been shorn of their native beauty, and the hand of man has endeavored to excel in their decoration. The iron horse now courses over the prairie and through the timber where once only the trail of the red man was known. Villages. towns and cities appear where only the wigwam was once seen. All this change has taken place in twenty-nine years. What will the next twenty-nine years bring? Who can tell?
Tama is the fifth County west from the Mississippi, the fifth
15
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
north from the south line and the fifth south from the north line of the State, occupying a central position; containing an area of 720 square miles; 470.000 acres of land. With its soil, its tim- ber and beautiful scenery, it possesses many attractions of which her citizens may justly feel proud; and has many reminiscences of the past to which she can refer with feelings of great pleasure. History affords no worthier example of greatness than the lives of adventurous pioneers, who, for the sake of independence, weathered the storms of adversity and buffeted the cold winds of a perilous life, in order to provide comfort and homes for their families.
To the pioneers of Tama County belongs a share of this praise for they worked nobly and fonght manfully until civilization reached them through time and immigration, and the natural re- sources of the County.
As before remarked, the county is about equally divided be- tween timber and prairie, the northern tiers of townships being mainly prairie, while the southern is largely timber. When we reach the descriptions of townships, we shall notice this matter more at length. The County is bounded on the north by Black- hawk and Grundy Counties, on the east by Benton, on the south by Poweshiek and on the west by Marshall.
To Isaac Asher belongs the honor of the first settlement, about one-half mile west of the present site of Indian town, in the west part of the County. Mr. A. settled first in Marshall County, on May the 18th, 1847, but the beauty of Indian township, Tama County, attracted his attention, and in the spring of 1849, he permanently settled in Tama County with his wife and eight children, and was the first white settler in the County. He broke the first sod and planted the first crop of corn .*
When the family of Ashers approached their present home they were met by the Indians, who lived near, and who were painted and dressed for war, and demanded that the family re- turn and not attempt to go on; but after a long council of both parties, they were permitted to settle peacefully.
*Mr. Asher has gone to his long home, but his wife still survives and is the oldest white female resident of the County, being the first white woman here.
16
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY
The next white families that settled in Tama County, were those of Anthony, Robert and William Wilkinson, who came from Coshocton County, Ohio, and permanently located in what is now Salt Creek township, on the 12th day of October, 1849. They were accompanied by their mother and three sisters. Anthony and William had been soldiers in the Mexican war and had just received their land warrants, and in due time located the same. Their brother Robert purchased land near them in the same township. The Ashers and Wilkin- sons were the only settlers in 1849.
In June, 1850, Alexander Fowler and Isaac Smith, with their families and Tobias Van Dorn, a single man, settled in York township and commenced improvements on their lands.
R. A. Redman came into the County October 30th, 1850, and settled near the present site of Tama City. At the same time W. L. Brannan, S. J. Murphy, J. II. and W. T. HTollen, and J. Unbarger came in remaining a short time, returning to Marengo during the winter months.
In the summer of 1851, Eli Daily, Anthony Bricker, John Daily and families settled west of the Iowa River in Indian Vil- lage township, while David D. Appelgate and his brother Levi, settled north of them in what is now Carlton township.
In the fall of the same year Christopher and D. F. Bruner and families settled on Deer Creek in what is now Howard town- ship. Peter Overmire settled in Toledo township and built the first cabin in that township. About this time Norman J. Osborn and family settled in northern Tama on Wolf Creek, in Perry township, near the present site of Traer, while Daniel A. Dean and his two sons, Ira and Julius, single men, settled in what is now known as Buckingham township; Samnel Giger and family settled in Howard township; Geo. Carter and William Blodgett settled near the present site of Tama City; Wmn. Taylor and Newell Blodgett settled near Indiantown, while in the spring of the same year Eli Chase settled near what is now Tama City.
In this year, 1852, other settlers came into the county and cast their lots among those already, upon Tama County soil. In the
17
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
month of June, John Connell and his brother Joseph, W. D. Hitchner and Jonas P. Wood settled in what is now Perry township; John Connell making his first original entry of land on the 3d day of July, 1852, at Dubuque, Iowa. In the spring of this year James Laughlin and family settled in Carlton township, north and east from Indiantown; James A. Willey settled in Salt Creek township; John C. Vermilya, James II. and T. W. Hollen his brother, and Miron Blodgett also came in the spring of this year and settled in south-western Tama, in what is now Tama township; John Ross, Talhnan Chase, William Schamerhoru, Solo- mon Unfford and families settled near the present site of Toledo. The next spring, B. W. Wilson, T. Skiles and one or two others with their families settled in Richland township south of the Iowa River, and Wm. Cruthers and family in the fall of this year settled north of the river in the same township, while Ed. McKee and Riley Van Dorn and families settled still further north of them, in what is now York township, near Salt Creek, a tributary of the Iowa River.
Isaac Butler, Washington Abbot, J. H. Voorhies and Wm. Martin settled near Indiantown during this year, in Indian Vill- age township, thus increasing the population of the county and giving new neighbors to those who came first.
Every new face was welcomed with hearty good will and the kindest assistance rendered. The best lands were pointed out, while they gathered from far and near to assist in raising the log cabin, which was to shelter them and to mark the place of the new home.
The year 1853 witnessed the coming of a still larger number of pioneers and their families. Early in the spring A. B. Hancock and family settled in what is now Otter Creek township, and later came Abram Tompkins an old soldier of the Blackhawk war and located his land, also John Bishop and family who settled in the same township. These were the first settlers in that township. On June 16th, Joseph Powell, Nathan Fisher, and Levi Haworth and families settled in what is now known as Carroll township, on one of the branches of Salt Creek. In the same spring John
18
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
Reedy, G. W. Free, Franklin Davis, William Hillmon, James L. Walkup, Henry C. Foster, and Robert Foster, and families settled near the present town of Toledo, while Ira Taylor and his brother Giles, settled in Perry township. Ira Taylor entered his land this year, on a part of which the present town of Traer is located. In September of this year Thomas A. Graham and his brother James and Z. T. Shugart and families settled in York township, while in the winter George Williams, Levi Marsh, and families settled near the present town of West Irving; James Cronk, Allen Dingee, Geo. Voorhies, and families settled near Indiantown; David Miller, Benjaman Hammitt, Jacob Reedy, and families settled in what is now Howard township near Deer Creek, and commenced their improvements.
In the year 1854, the emigration increased steadily. Joshua Burley, Thomas Everett, Wm. Stoddard and families settled in what is Columbia township, south of Tama City, and south of the Iowa River. They were followed shortly afterward by a great many others, all the various settlements receiving reinforce- ments.
A state road had been laid out by the legislature running from Marengo to Fort Dodge, through the south side of the County, on July 9th 1853, and during the year 1854, a mail route was established from Marengo to Marietta in Marshall County, and J. D. Smith, now aresident of Richland township was mail carrier. In January of the year 1854 a post-office was established and Anthony Wilkinson made post-master, his commission bearing date February 27th, 1854. About the same time a post office was established north of the Iowa River near the present site of Tama City, with James H. Hollen post-master, his commission bearing date December 23d, 1854; said state Road mail route and post offices being the first in Tama County, gave material assist- ance to the settlers on the south side of the County, and north of the river, while it also helped those residing in the central part of the county.
Tama County was surveyed by A. L. Brown and his assistants in the years 1843-4-5 and 6. The first original entry of land was
19
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
made by Noah Dean on section 15, Salt Creek township, May 10th 1848. The next entry was made by Horace N. Atkinson, on section 30 Tama township on May 18th 1848, and now partly occupied by the Sac and Fox Indians.
At this time in her history, Tama County was attached to Benton County for Election, Judicial and Revenue purposes. On the 10th day of March, 1853, the voters of Tama County pre- sented a petition to the County Judge of Benton County, asking for a separate organization, which was duly granted and an order issued for holding an election on the first Monday of May, 1853. Dne notice was given and the election was held and returns made to Benton County, showing the following result:
Tallman Chase, County Judge; David D. Appelgate, Clerk of District Court; Norman L. Osborn, Sheriff; John Huston, Prose- cuting Attorney; Wesley A. Daniel, County Surveyor; David F. Bruner and Anthony Wilkinson received the votes for School Fund Commissioners, but the office was not filled, they failing to qualify. At the first session of the County Court, held on the first Monday of July, 1853, at John Huston's house, in Indian Village township, David F. Bruner was appointed to the office of Treasurer and Recorder until the August election of that year, and qualified by giving bonds as required by law. On the 7th day of July, 1853, Noah Myers was appointed School Fund Commissioner, until the ensuing election, to fill the vacancy and was duly qualified. This being only a temporary organization and election, only a part of the officers qualified until the regular election, which was held on the first Monday of Angust, 1853, at which election the following officers were elected:
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